Nigeria Customs Service generates N92million revenue for second quarter of 2024 in Ogun state

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun I Area Command has generated sum of N92,369,227.00 as revenue for the second quarter of 2024, which represents about a 52.46% increase compared to the N53,983,622.00 recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.

Penpushing reports that Comptroller of the Command, James Ojo made this known on Monday at a press conference held at the command headquarters located at Quarry Road of Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

‘This achievement is a testament to the diligence, commitment, and professionalism of our officers and men who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we meet and exceed our revenue targets. It is also indicative of our unwavering commitment to the economic growth and development of our dear nation’, he explained.

‘This success aligns perfectly with the policy thrust of our Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi MFR who has championed the principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation. His visionary leadership and enabling support have been crucial in enhancing our capabilities and driving these impressive results’, Ojo added.

Penpushing further reports that he stated that in addition to the impressive revenue generation the command equally and successfully intercepted 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tires, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes.

The customs boss added that other interceptions include 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N770,666,237.00.

‘These seizures are not just numbers; they represent our relentless fight against smuggling and our determination to protect the local economy, ensure public health and safety, and uphold the integrity of our borders’, he said.

Penpushing also reports that Ojo stressed danger associated with hard drugs which is prevalent among the youths, noting that cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp, is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant.

‘It has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths. The rise in its abuse is of great concern within Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities’, he stressed.

‘Foreign-used Pneumatic Tires, more commonly known as Tokunbo tires, are ring-shaped protective coverings made of rubber and filled with compressed air, typically used in foreign countries and shipped into the country after use overseas’, Ojo stated.

‘These tires are deemed unsuitable for our highways because a significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates. According to safety experts, good-quality pneumatic tires are safe for use for only four years from the date of manufacturing. Any usage beyond this duration poses a significant risk to motorists and puts their lives in jeopardy’, he said.

‘In addition to the above highlights, it is pertinent to also state the health implications of consuming smuggled frozen poultry products. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the health implications of consuming frozen poultry products preserved with chemicals and smuggled into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin can be severe and multifaceted’.

Penpushing reports that he highlighted some potential health risks which include chemical contamination, adding that smuggled poultry often lacks proper regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of harmful chemicals being used for preservation.

‘These chemicals, which can include formaldehyde and other preservatives, can be toxic if ingested, potentially causing acute and chronic health issues, including poisoning, cancer, and organ damage’, he emphasised.

‘The lack of proper hygiene and temperature control during smuggling can lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria such as salmonella, coli, and Listeria, warning that consuming contaminated poultry can cause foodborne illnesses, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, hospitalization or even death.

‘Poultry smuggled from regions with poor regulatory controls may have been treated with antibiotics not approved for use in food animals. This can contribute to the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant public health threat as infections become harder to treat’.

‘Smuggled poultry products may not meet the nutritional standards required for healthy consumption. Poor handling and preservation techniques can degrade the nutritional quality of the meat, leading to potential deficiencies when consumed regularly’.

‘The use of unknown or banned chemicals in preserving smuggled poultry can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms can range from mild skin irritations to severe anaphylactic reactions, which require immediate medical attention’.

‘The consumption of unsafe, smuggled poultry products can strain public health systems due to increased incidences of foodborne illnesses and other health complications. This can lead to higher healthcare costs and resource allocation challenges.

Penpushing further reports that he declared that the customs service will continue to employ advanced techniques and technologies to stay ahead of smugglers and other economic saboteurs, adding that these interceptions also underscore the importance of continuous vigilance, collaboration, and the need for a united front in the fight against smuggling and other economic crimes.

‘As we reflect on these achievements, it is essential to recognize that our success would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of our traditional rulers and security agencies in Ogun State

FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or   event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email [email protected]